Pottstown to pay new police chief $95,000

POTTSTOWN — Borough Council unanimously approved a contract for new Police Chief F. Richard Drumheller Jr. Monday that will pay him $95,000 per year, along with a $1,000 annual clothing and uniform allowance and a car for his professional use.

It was not immediately clear Monday night when that exam will be taken.

But the contract terms proved agreeable to both Drumheller and council.

Under the terms of the one-year contract, which was reviewed by The Mercury Tuesday, Drumheller’s term of service is automatically renewed each year under the same terms, unless either side wishes to modify it.

Any raises will be subject to an annual salary review by council.

Under the terms of the contract, Drumheller can be terminated from the post due to a mental or physical disability which prevents him from performing his duties; for neglect or violation of duty; for violating the law at either a misdemeanor or felony level; for inefficiency, neglect, intemperance, immorality, disobeying an ordinance, or conduct unbecoming an officer.

The contract also lists intoxication on duty and engaging or participating in political campaigns other than voting as other reasons for termination. However, the contract also gives Drumheller the right to a hearing before the Civil Service Commission prior to being terminated.

Should Drumheller wish to resign, the contract requires that he give 90 days notice.

Additionally, the contract requires that Drumheller live within five miles of the borough line and does not allow him to accrue comp-time while also requiring that he be available for emergencies.

However, he has been allowed to carry over 820 sick-time hours from his previous post as captain.

Like most other borough employees, Drumheller’s contract gives him 12 paid holidays, three personal days, 25 vacation days and 12 sick days.

He can earn a maximum of 150 sick days, but cannot sell back sick-time hours.

The car the borough will provide for his use cannot be used for personal or family use, according to the contract.

The contract also provides a $50,000 life insurance policy, a $40,000 accidental death or dismemberment insurance policy and the same health care plan as other borough managers.

According to the job description Drumheller is “directly responsible to the mayor,” and is charged to, among other things, “develop and implement a crime-reduction policy designed to improve quality of life for all borough residents.”

Drumheller must also “develop and conduct a public relations and crime prevention program to promote public confidence,” as well as “publish an annual report which clearly depicts police activities, conditions or problems and adequately represents the services and activities of the police department.”